I sat in the Mariposa Market today watching people push through crowds for baked goods and lining up almost to the front doors anticipating the lunch special. And it occurred to me that for most of us, food is very accessible. We can shop for it, even go to restaurants and have it served to us. If you’re like me you even have a “dining out” or “entertainment” budget line for food.

The reality is though, for a lot of people in our communities this is not the case. Food is not plentiful and going to a restaurant isn’t even a consideration. Not convinced? Consider the following:

At our Barrie Food Bank:

• Over 27,000 individuals from Barrie and the surrounding communities have used the food bank this; a 30% increase over last year.
• Close 9,500 of those were children
• 30% of visitors are single-parents
• 55,000 lbs of food are required each month to meet demand

In Orillia:

• The 3 local food banks serve over 2,000 people each month
• The Salvation Army serves 550 families month
• The Salvation Army supports 13 “Breakfast Programs” in local schools each month.
• The “Living For Jesus” ministry serves 60-80 lunches each day.

The practical needs in our communities are real and extensive. They also give us opportunity to extend God’s love in the most practical ways.

The Bible says, “You will be glorifying God through your generous gifts. For your generosity to them will prove that you are obedient to the Good News of Christ.”2 Corinthians 9:13 (NLT)

We want to be generous all year through and Christmas is a time when we can live out our faith, and love our neighbours. This Sunday, December 16, let’s show our generosity by filling the trucks with food that will be at both our locations.

Some of most needed items are:

• Peanut Butter, Jam
• Cereal
• Dried Pasta
• Brown Beans
• Canned Meat
• Canned Pastas, Soups and Stews
• Sugar
• Toiletries

Lets be bolder than ever this Sunday!

- Dan